Since 1946, Cruise West has conducted up-close encounters with Native and local cultures and with wildlife in the places we travel. We are there with a long-term view of the impact we can and do make on the places and people we visit. Together, with the caring involvement of our guests, we are committed to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the environment and local cultures that we encounter. We offer more of ourselves than a “thanks and see you next trip.”

Founded and managed by employees of Cruise West, financially supported by the Company and by donations from our guests, the “Our Bear Cares” program places resources and actions behind these goals:

• Teach and assure responsible travel practices that protect the natural state of the environment, and improve the well-being of the local people.
• Provide up-close, engaging and positive experiences for our guests and for their local hosts.
• Take only photos and leave only footprints in nature.
• Continue to learn how to do it all better.
• Provide financial and material resources to:
  
  1. Preserve local cultures and help provide for their medical and educational needs.
  2. Facilitate environmental conservation by partnering with local organizations already making a positive difference.

Funds from onboard photo CD sales support Our Bear Cares Projects. Founded and managed by the employees of Cruise West, financially supported by the Company and by donations from our guests, the goal of the Our Bear Cares Program is to support local charities and organizations at every destination Cruise West visits. A team of employees at Cruise West works closely with each organization to ensure our support has a direct and positive impact . Groups are carefully selected and supported by the Our Bear Cares Committee. Support ranges from cash donations to clothing, school and medical supplies. Organizations we support are as diverse as a remote village in Costa Rica, an orphanage in Mexico, an educational program for children of migrant workers in the Pacific Northwest, whale research in Alaska and medical supplies for various islands in the South Pacific . The committee meets monthly and welcomes input from guests, employees and vendors. Contact us in writing at Our Bear Cares Committee, Cruise West, 2301 5th Avenue, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98121.